Activate America(R) Brings Together YMCAs Nationwide to Promote Small Steps Toward a Healthier Lifestyle During 'America on the Move Week With the YMCA,' September 2...( Campaign Aims to Motivate a Million...),Health

Campaign Aims to Motivate a Million People Nationwide to take 10 Billion Steps and Encourages Communities to Assess and Improve Their 'Walkability'

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 1,500 YMCAs nationwide will reach out to their communities with events promoting active living and healthy eating during "America On the Move Week with the YMCA" September 22-29, 2007. The campaign, a partnership with the America On the Move Foundation, aims to educate and motivate people to make two small daily changes that will add up to significant long-term health benefits.

America On the Move Week with the YMCA is part of Activate America (R), the YMCA's response to our nation's lifestyle health crisis. Through Activate America, YMCAs are redefining themselves and engaging communities across the country to provide better opportunities for Americans of all ages who are struggling to achieve and maintain well-being of spirit, mind and body.

"National headlines and warnings about our nation's health crisis are not inspiring change. We must get out there into our communities and work directly with people to help them take the first critical steps toward a healthier life," said Neil Nicoll, president and CEO of YMCA of the USA. "Through America on the Move Week with the YMCA, we will welcome millions of health seekers into a community of support and encouragement as they commit to making minor lifestyle changes that will lead to significant health improvements."

Recent reports indicate that obesity and associated health risks continue to rise nationwide. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes are the nation's leading killers, affecting 90 million Americans, young and old. Increased physical activity and healthy eating is of critical importance to prevent and control many of these illnesses. America On the Move Week with the YMCA encourages people to make two small daily changes -- taking 2,000 more steps (the equivalent of
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